I was going to swing by there today on my return from central Pa. But I checked the internet before I left and found they were not open on Mondays. Amazing how many shops are closed on Mondays. I can understand but a guy in need of equipment better not wait till Monday.

The TCO flyshops in State College and Reading are some of the best PA shops I've been in. I'm either unfamiliar with others mentioned (Slate Run) or agree with others mentioned. Oil Creek outfitters does pretty well with basically a living room from a farm house converted into a flyshop. I have to make a special note about the Feathered Hook in Coburn. Jonas has created a really nice fly shop all the while with the work ethic of Ron White. And I can safely say that would be HIS admission, not mine.

It is tough to get a good start in our sport without good fly shops for help and recommendations. I think more people start there, however you may want to think of that, than with TU and other sporting groups having intro classes and the like. Without good local fly shops and the extended infrastruture beyond (customers, conservation groups, sporting groups and various hangers-on) you won't have much of a FFing following in an area. Oh, a good trout stream helps.

NUMBER 1 - has to be flyfishers paradise. a couple reasons are, a few years ago while i was in college there my buddy won about 3000 bucks playing online poker and deceided to buy a new fly rod. he gets there with the intentions of buying an orvis superfine, no testing out rods or anything. at that time i think they were a little more than 500 bucks. before he pays for it i forget the guys name, (it wasn't steve dan or doug back then, it was the other guy) asked him why doesn't he try out a g loomis before he buys the superfine, stating its just as good and about 200 bucks less. at the time i couldn't believe he was trying to sell him a cheaper rod when my friend had the money out for the superfine (and yes there were a couple more of the same exact superfines still on the rack). now that in my opinon is top quality service. another thing i love about flyfishers paradise is that there's no guide service attatched with the fly shop so on the well known rivers and streams they'll give you a straight answer about where to fish and whats working. as long as they're in business and i get to fish center county now and then i'll never buy from another shop

SECOND - a&g outfitters scranton, they're my home flyshop and they're about the most relaxed people i've met. always in a good mood, say hi when you walk in the store and ask "where you fishin today" if you stand by the flies long enough with a blank stare on your face. all around good guys.

I was going to swing by there today on my return from central Pa. But I checked the internet before I left and found they were not open on Mondays. Amazing how many shops are closed on Mondays. I can understand but a guy in need of equipment better not wait till Monday.

What is it about them that sets them apart?

Sounding more like a commercial but here goes. Service and selection. You can get a rough idea of the lines they carry from their site. Nice stuff and a decent inventory. The flies they carry are the best I have seen and I have also heard that from others. If you tie, then you’ll love this shop for their supplies. The shop is owned by Lee and MaryAnn Gaul, both of who are as good as it gets. Lee is also always generous with his stream information and very helpful with newcomers to the area. He genuinely loves Fishing Creek and wants everyone else to love it too. There is also no pressure there. If you want to try out a rod, feel free. Lee won’t be following you outside to stand over your shoulder. I once asked him why not and his answer was, either a rod speaks to you or it doesn’t. Take all this and add in a REALLY nicely laid out shop with a B&B attached, and it’s hard to beat. Besides that, any place that has a dog or two to greet you when you open the door has to be a nice place. Nancy & I make it up there at least 6 to 12 times a year. Again, I apologize for sounding like a commercial but you asked.

Neshannock Creek Fly ShopMain StVolant PA 724-533-3212Two others have closed in my area.The next closest to me is in the opposite direction from PA. I dont know what they're doing there. They're an Orvis dealer but they are into bass and such.TMF Sport Shop4081 Sandy Lake RdRavenna, OHMy first favorite was also in Girard OH and it went out of business. I took fly tying lessons there, and they had the best gear around.

I usually go to TCO in Reading. They've always been good to me. Other than that, I've had wonderful experiences with FFP, Slate Run, and Fishing Creek Angler. I plan on hitting the sporting gentleman when I get more than $30 in my bank account.

Even though their selection can sometimes be lacking, French Creek Outfitters in Phoenixville is serviceable as well.